There are several home components that take on the role of supporting other related components in important ways, and a great example here is your home’s roof, siding and gutters. While roofs and siding setups are definitely each their own distinct area, both of these components rely on and interact with rain gutters in a number of important ways, and they’re often considered in the same conversations.

At Becker’s, we’re proud to offer services in all of these areas, including gutter solutions that range from gutter cleaning and repairs to new gutter installations if your property is in need of one. While repairing your gutters is our first course of action in most situations of damage or wear-and-tear, there ae some cases where the issues with your existing gutters will be so significant that replacing the gutters themselves is the way to go. Here are a few of the common signs that this is the case.

Excessive Physical Damage

As we touched on above, certain limited forms of gutter damage definitely don’t require a full-on replacement of the system. For instance, one or two bent sections of a gutter run can often be repaired without issue. But if your gutters have been physically damaged to the point where they’re sagging, pulling away from the roofline or otherwise falling apart, then chances are good that you’ll need new ones.

This kind of damage is often caused by severe weather conditions, like strong winds or heavy debris. Whatever the cause, it’s important to have this issue addressed as soon as possible, as continuing to use damaged gutters can lead to additional damage being done to your roof and siding.

Significant Rusting or Corrosion

Another common issue that will necessitate new gutters is significant rusting or corrosion. This is a particular problem if your home’s existing rain gutters are made of steel or another similarly susceptible metal, as these materials can start to show their age after just a few short years.

Not only does this affect the curb appeal and value of your property, but it also makes your rain gutters less effective at doing their job.

If you believe that your rain gutters may be due for a replacement, the best thing to do is contact a professional for an assessment. The team at Becker’s would be more than happy to take a look and let you know what we think. Give us a call today!

Constant Falling Nails and Screws

Nails and screws are used to secure your gutters in place, and while it’s not entirely unusual for one or two of these fasteners to come loose over time, if you’re constantly finding them on the ground around your home, then that’s a pretty good indication that your gutters aren’t being held in place as well as they should be. This is often caused by the gutters themselves expanding and contracting due to changes in temperature, which can loosen the nails and screws over time.

If this is happening on a regular basis, then it’s probably time for new gutters.

Leaks and Water Damage

Another key indication that you may need new gutters is if you’re starting to notice leaks and water damage around your home. This is often caused by gutters that are either too small for the size of your home or that have become clogged with leaves and other debris, both of which can cause rainwater to back up and overflow.

In addition to causing water damage to your home’s exterior, this can also lead to problems with your foundation, which is why it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible.

Foundation Water Damage

Speaking of your foundation, it actually can serve as its own form of indicator that either your gutters or downspouts need to be replaced. If you notice that there is water pooling around your foundation or that your basement is starting to leak, then those could be signs that your gutters are no longer doing their job of directing water away from your home.

This issue should be addressed as soon as possible, as continuing to use damaged or ineffective gutters could lead to further water damage to one of the highest-value areas of your entire property.

Basement Flooding

While poor gutters are not the only possible cause of flooding in your basement, they are certainly one of the more common ones. This is especially true if you’ve looked into some of the other reasons why this might be happening and have ruled them out, such as a faulty sump pump or a broken pipe.

If you’re starting to notice flooding in your basement, then it’s important to have your gutters checked out as soon as possible, as continuing to use them without addressing the issue could lead to even more significant damage.

Insect Infestations

Another less-obvious indication that your gutters may need to be replaced is if you’re starting to notice insect infestations around your home. This is often caused by clogged gutters, as the stagnant water that builds up in them can provide a perfect breeding ground for mosquitos and other pests.

In addition to being annoying, these insects can also transmit diseases, which is why it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible.

If you’re starting to notice any of these issues, then it’s probably time for new gutters. The team at Becker’s would be more than happy to help you choose the perfect gutters for your home and install them in no time! Contact us today to learn about this, or any of our roofing and siding services we offer.